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Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Brunei.
Brunei
Navigate a compact Malay-speaking country where the rainforests of Borneo meet tranquil mosques and coastal rhythms.
Overview
Brunei’s national scale makes for a tightly-knit community, centered on Bandar Seri Begawan and surrounded by rich rainforests and coastline. The Malay language and Islamic traditions set the cultural tone, while the country’s geography invites exploration of both urban and natural environments.
At a glance
Languages
- Malay(Official)
- Chinese(Widespread)
- English(Widespread)
Population458,949
CurrencyBrunei Dollar (BND)
1 BND = 0.7739 USD
1 USD = 1.2922 BND
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerStronger local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyGenerally favorableSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionLowSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Business Visitor, Family Reunification, Work (Employer-Sponsored), and 7 more.
Business Visitor
- Business Visit Visa / Business Visit Pass
Business visit visa/pass for meetings, exhibitions, investment exploration, or other business-related purposes. The Immigration Department states that BVV is not for waiting on labor quota processing or working for the company concerned.
- No work rights
Family Reunification
- Dependent Visa / Pass
Dependent visa/pass for spouse and children under 18 whose husband is working in Brunei Darussalam. The work-pass page lists dependent visa/pass application and extension services.
- Long-Term Social Visit Pass
Long-term pass for foreigners with family ties to Brunei citizens or permanent residents who have not yet met permanent resident eligibility criteria.
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Employment Visa / Work Pass
Employer-backed work route. The Immigration Department says foreign nationals working in Brunei must hold a valid visa and work pass; the application evidence includes employer or guarantor letters, foreign worker licensing, and labor job-order materials.
- Employer-sponsored only
Investor
- Long-Term Business Visit Pass
Long-term pass for company owners and foreign investors who meet eligibility requirements, including contribution to Brunei's socio-economic development.
- Limited work rights
Work (Skilled)
- Long-Term Professional Visit Pass
Long-term pass for foreign experts and professionals whose expertise is beneficial and needed for Brunei Darussalam's progress and development.
- Limited work rights
- Professional Visit Visa and Pass
Professional visit visa/pass for foreign specialists entering Brunei for an official professional visit where specialist skills are required. Applications must be submitted by the company guarantor.
- Limited work rights
Permanent Residency
- Permanent Resident Status / Entry Permit
Entry Permit Division route for applications to obtain permanent resident status and for issuing Re-Entry Permit / Re-Entry Visa. The public page documents updated PR eligibility guidelines and approved entry-permit card fees by passport group.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Social Visit Visa / Visit Pass
Short-stay visit route for foreign citizens entering Brunei Darussalam for social visits. The fetched sources do not publish a universal duration or fee schedule for this route.
- No work rights
Student
- Student Visa / Student Pass
Student visa/pass route identified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Department. The fetched public page links the student pass form and required-document checklist but does not expose route duration or fee details in HTML.
- No work rights
Sources
Languages
- Malay(Official)
- Chinese(Widespread)
- English(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Brunei.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Brunei. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Brunei. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Brunei. Brunei is generally a safe destination for travelers. Basic emergency medical care is available throughout Brunei. However, response times may be limited in rural areas. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
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